SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday refuted claims of imposition or proposal of so-called ‘toilet tax’ in the state.
His denial came after Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday tweeted, “Unbelievable, if true! While PM @narendramodi ji, builds Swachhata as a people’s movement, here is @INCIndia taxing people for toilets! Shame that they didn’t provide good sanitation during their time, but this step will shame the country!”
Interacting with the media at New Delhi, Sukhu said that such claims are baseless and should not be used for political purposes. “In the light of Haryana vidhan sabha elections, the BJP is either playing the religion card or sometimes raising the fabricated ‘toilet tax’ issue. No one should attempt to politicise issues purely for political gains, especially when the allegations are far from reality.”
Himachal jal shakti department’s five-page notification issued on Sept 21 to revise the rates of water supply in the state with effect from Oct 1 is at the root of the controversy. This notification imposed Rs 100 per domestic connection per month on water charges in rural areas from Oct 1.
Also, prescribing terms and conditions, the notification mentioned, “Where in urban areas, some establishments use their own water sources and the sewerage system of the department, sewerage charges be levied @ Rs 25 per seat per month.” This part of the notification had raised many eyebrows and the opposition had targeted the Congress govt in the state. This clause in the notification was withdrawn on Oct 3 by the state govt.
The CM said on Friday that prior to the vidhan sabha elections 2022, the then BJP govt in HP had introduced the free sops worth Rs 5,000 crore, including provision of free water, in a bid to secure electoral success. He said that free water was also offered to five-star hotels. In view of this, the present Congress govt has taken steps to rationalise the water subsidy and decided to impose minimal charges of Rs 100 per connection per month in the rural areas, said Sukhu. He added that families capable of paying water bills have no issues in doing so in the state’s interest.
We also published the following articles recently
Did Himachal govt impose 'toilet tax'? Here's what CM Sukhu said
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu refuted claims about a Rs 25 'toilet tax' per household, labeling them 'baseless.' He clarified that a non-compulsory Rs 100 water connection charge exists. A related notification, outlining additional charges for some households and establishments, was withdrawn after the deputy CM raised concerns.
Himachal CM denies of imposing Toilet Tax in state
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu denied claims of a 'Toilet Tax,' deeming them baseless and politically motivated. Controversy arose from a notification revising water supply rates, including a Rs 25 monthly sewerage charge per seat in urban areas. Sukhu defended minimal water charges introduced after BJP's free water sops for electoral gain.
Himachal Congress govt scraps 'toilet tax' after BJP brands move 'shameful'
Himachal Pradesh's Congress government withdrew a proposed 'toilet tax' following backlash from the opposition BJP. The tax aimed to charge households using their own water sources but the state's sewerage system. BJP leaders criticized the tax as shameful, prompting the government to retract the measure and assert its commitment to rationalizing water subsidies and minimal charges.
Start a Conversation
Post comment